The Obtainer - 9/28/22, Wednesday
↦ Who Makes the Best Denim Jacket?
Wednesday,September 28th Edition
Temps are starting to drop so we can really start … you know the rest. Let’s take a look at who’s making the best denim jackets for any budget, along with a fabric that I swear by from a Canadian company.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Good/Better/Best
Denim Jackets
From Brando to Hopper to Gosling—I just summed up a few decades worth of superstars in denim jackets. You don’t have to be a celebrity to wear one, but once you find a jacket in the perfect wash and fit, you’ll definitely carry yourself like a leading man. A denim jacket is a menswear essential, much like oxfords, navy blazers and the minimalist white leather sneaker.
What makes this outerwear piece so good? Like your favorite pair of jeans, the more you wear them, the more they start to tell a story, and each fade or rip reminds you why you had to have the garment in the first place. From a classic Levi’s trucker jacket to a more contemporary version, the denim jacket is not going anywhere, anytime soon—so you might as well invest in one, right?
A proper year-round staple, you can wear them with a fresh white T-shirt, over a hoodie and underneath your favorite overcoat. Some of the best have chest pockets, side pockets and adjustable buttons on the waist. Whether you’re a fan of pre-washed, selvedge, slim-fit or a boxy fit, there are a lot of great brands making quality denim jackets that cover the entire gamut of price points. Depending on how often and where you'll be wearing them, however, how much you decide to spend is up to you. We're here to help point you to the ones worth your money.
Broken-in and pre-washed to feel comfortable from the beginning
Adjustable buttons on the waist to tighten for a more tailored look
Sizing can be tricky. We recommend sizing down if you don’t plan on layering it heavily.
Collar spreads a bit far and doesn’t sit under your neck. Rather sits flat on your shoulders whenever worn open.
Trucker jacket, $108 by Levi’s
There are front chest pockets, but side pockets are absent
Durable cotton made on old Japanese shuttles, with a year-round medium wash
A relaxed fit means it’s boxier than the previous two denim jackets
$500 is a lot to ask, but this is a timeless jacket that will last a lifetime
Washed denim jacket, $465 by orSlow
No adjustable buttons on the waist to tighten for a more tailored look
14 oz raw shadow selvedge that’s heavy and not pre-washed
The pocketbags and cuff linings feature fine wale corduroy for added warmth
Zig-zag stand collar reinforcement stitching allows for better structure and the collar can stand on its own whenever wearing the jacket open
Type 3s denim jacket, $285 by 3Sixteen
Stuff We Swear by
1x1 Slub
Whenever you’ve found the perfect fit or fabric in a shirt, do you buy multiples of that garment? If you or anyone you know doesn’t, well, I am that person. Years ago, I worked for a boutique, and we carried Wings+Horns (my all-time favorite brand). We had all their T-shirts, long sleeve tees, henleys and hoodies. I tried on a grey T-shirt and instantly loved the fabric. A few months later, I bought a henley and zip hoodie in different colors. The more research I did, I found out that CYC Designs, which owns Reigning Champ and Wings+Horns (which ended operations in 2021), created this specialized fabric called 1x1 slub.To me, it's the perfect fabric that drapes along the waistline and feels luxurious. The subtle textured fabric is also substantial enough to wear by itself and layer due to the thickness and durability of the cotton. It can be dressed down under an unstructured blazer because it fits on the slimmer side and hits right where your blazer would meet. I still have all my Wings + Horns versions—I thought they would have to last me until they disintegrated off my body. But thankfully, Reigning Champ just brought it back in several of their core items. "1x1 Slub was one of our most beloved fabrics from sister brand Wings+Horns, and its unique structure and feel was something that we always thought would work well with a more classic, athletic silhouette, utilized by Reigning Champ," Reigning Champ's Brand Director, Michael Belgue, told Gear Patrol. "When we chose to bring it back, we thought that both Wings+Horns clients and an entirely new Reigning Champ audience, who might never have seen it before, would appreciate its unique characteristics.”
If you’re still in the market for a classic Wings+Horns 1x1 slub product, be prepared to go down a rabbit hole. While Reigning Champ has brought the fabric back, there are some differences from when Wings+Horns used it. The one from Wings+Horns includes flatlock stitching, a contrast woven placket with gunmetal military buttons and a scalloped hem. The new and updated version from Reigning Champ uses a corozo button placket, semi-raglan sleeves and ribbed collar and cuffs. The minor details may differ, but the fabric remains the same, making this an all-season staple for anyone’s closet. Trust me, once you’ve purchased something in this fabric, you’ll be back to buy more.
1x1 Slub henley, $105 by Reigning Champ
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Crafted by one of the world's original flip clock manufacturers, this analog timepiece features authentic design detailing true to its mid-century roots.
$99 / $59.40by Twemco
Nike’s sportswear hoodie updates a closet staple with heavyweight semi-brushed fleece. And right now, with code FALL20, you’ll get an extra 20% off your purchase.
$100 / $39.97(w/code FALL20)by Nike
If you don't care for the heaviness of a terry cloth towel or want something a little lighter, try a Turkish hammam style. Made from strong yet soft long-fiber cotton, these are nearly half off.
$45 / $24by Turkish Towels
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